Outdoor

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Naked In The Sky – Fitzroy – Tuesday 7 February 2017 – Dinner

It is well documented that Melbourne has inconsistent weather. Just when you think it might be a bit of exaggeration and urban myth, you’ll be reaching for an umbrella in sunshine, or will be carrying one aimlessly for hours wondering why you bothered. Like other cities with fickle weather, as soon as one of those spectacular days come along, there is a stampede to take full advantage, as if there will never be another nice day. It is panic!

Then you sit and talk about how great the weather is. For hours. And no one questions it, because they are all thinking the same thing. Today is one of those days. We should be sitting at home, eating a home cooked meal, but this could be the last chance we ever get to eat outside in complete comfort.

Fried zucchini flowers

On days like these, there actually aren’t a crazy number of options. If bars and restaurants relied on Melbourne having spectacular weather they would be broke faster than a pub with no beer. Functional outdoor spaces here need to have heating, blankets, parasols, wind breakers, or shades, and that is not cheap. As we ran through a list of options that ticked the box for quality food, and drinks, with evening sun, we didn’t exactly have 50 places in mind.

Grilled prawn skewers

Naked In The Sky was the eventual pick. A beautiful view of the city, tapas style eats, and a renowned bar were the reasons. Luckily there was a steady flow of comers and goers and we grabbed a table pretty quickly on this random weeknight. It was basically full though.

The menu is littered with great options to share, even with just two people partaking. Catherine and I chose the zucchini flowers, croquettes, prawns and sliders.

The food is honest and tasty, with generous serves being the norm. There are fluctuations in the flavour intensity, and execution, but on the whole this is a pleasant place to eat. The standout tonight for me were the fried zucchini flowers filled with pea and mascarpone. They are beautifully fried, and the filling is an intelligent combination. The prawns were nice and juicy too; the croquettes on the other hand lacking the depth of flavour that is part and parcel of this delicious fried snack. The sliders were the weakest of the four.

To wash down the various dishes we both had a glass of white. Mine was a Verdejo with good versatility and balanced fruit, and Catherine had a Margaret River Chardonnay. The selection is extensive, and there is the right balance between focus on providing a place for a drink, and a place to offer sustenance.

Croquettes

The next time there is a spectacular day in Melbourne I wouldn’t blame anyone for dropping everything in a panicked state, and heading straight for Naked In The Sky. There’s a good chance we’ll see you there!

Naked In the Sky Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Ferrovia Deli & Fine Foods – Pascoe Vale – Saturday 6 August 2016 – Breakfast

Eggs Florentine with a side of Hash Browns

Eggs Florentine with a side of Hash Browns

Spoilt for choice in Richmond, I cannot help the small pang of jealousy that Pascoe Vale has Ferrovia Deli & Fine Foods. Here is a cute neighbourhood café that is comparatively small both inside and out, with a feel of the suburbs.

There is no line, but there is a sizeable enough crowd to deliver a nice atmosphere. The service is relaxed and friendly, but still well tuned. All aspects feel comfortable and homely.

I came across Ferrovia about six months ago when looking for a coffee in what is a random area for me having led an existence around the inner city for all the years I’ve lived in Melbourne. Back in Perth I grew up in the suburbs, but there were no quality cafes within cooee. At that first time the coffee was great, and I instantly vowed to return for breakfast.

The interior is rustic, with dark tones; the focus being on the display window, tables and chairs scattered around where they can fit. Looking at the menu there are plenty of good looking options. A traditional dish, but one I’m not familiar with, the Eggs in Purgatory jumps out to Catherine. I decide to try an old classic that I haven’t eaten in a long time.

Eggs in Pergatory with a side of bacon

Eggs in Purgatory with a side of bacon

Catherine’s eggs in waiting for heaven is basically poached eggs in a Napoli sauce topped with with pesto and pecorino cheese. This dish is made by the rich Napoli sauce which is oozing flavour, freshened by the pesto. Obviously all of the ingredients are on the heavier side, but Catherine loves the combination.

My eggs Florentine also has perfectly poached eggs, the yolk running over just-steamed spinach. The hollandaise is terrific, and this classic combination is executed much better than average. The whole dish makes me regret not having ordered it for years. Our sides of bacon and crunchy hash browns, in particular, are excellent too.

Ferrovia’s coffee is fantastic. Using only a blend, the three I try are consistent, my long black each time is well made. Catherine’s orange juice is freshly squeezed; nice and sweet.

Out in the suburbs, Ferrovia is serving up food and coffee that stands up to the better cafes in inner city Melbourne. It goes to show that driving that extra bit doesn’t necessarily reduce the quality, but you certainly won’t have to wait in line as the weekend goes by.

Ferrovia Deli & Fine Foods Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato